Here Are The Best Times And Places To View Fall Foliage In New Jersey

Fall in New Jersey is undeniably magical. With the end of the summer season comes an abundance of cider drinks, hayrides, apple picking, pumpkin patches, and so much more. And at the top of the list is one of our favorite activities: scouting out the best fall foliage in New Jersey. If you're looking for a New Jersey fall foliage map, you'll be delighted to refer to the one embedded below. Then, check out our list of incredible fall attractions in New Jersey and you can consider your autumn bucket list made! So don your favorite cozy sweater, gather your friends and family, and prepare to experience the best of fall in the Garden State.

1. Palisades Interstate Park - Fort Lee/Alpine

Now that you've seen the New Jersey fall foliage map, it's time to plan some adventures. First up on our list is Palisades Interstate Park, a truly remarkable destination in any season. A stop here during the fall is a must. The park spans over five miles along the Hudson River, from Fort Lee to the state line (and beyond). There are many trails here, in a variety of difficulty levels, though we personally like to park at Alpine Lookout and...look out. The views are breathtaking. You may also enjoy views along the base of the Palisades Cliffs, in the Alpine Picnic Area.

2. Cheesequake State Park - Matawan/Old Bridge

Spectacular in the summer and fall, this park includes several trails, an interpretive center, lake, marshes, a tidal estuary and white cedar swamp. You will appreciate the diverse landscape even more as it comes alive with color. If you do visit during the warmer months, you'll love taking a dip at this secluded swimming hole in New Jersey.

3. Ringwood State Park - Ringwood

In addition to the fantastic foliage, you'll find two historic estates here. Ringwood Manor is open for tours year-round, Wednesday-Sunday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.. The park is also home to the New Jersey State Botanical Gardens which have something special to offer in every season. There's a lot to love about this beautiful state park in New Jersey.

4. Davidson's Mill Pond Park - South Brunswick

In the summer, you'll find a seasonal butterfly house. In the fall, you'll find vibrant colors around the lake. Mostly undeveloped, this is a great place to connect with nature and it also offers a small waterfall to enjoy. You'll quickly discover why it's one of our very favorite fall destinations in New Jersey.

5. Mount Tammany - Knowlton

Head north to Mount Tammany, and the Delaware Water Gap. You'll find some of the most beautiful trails in America here (according to USA Today), so now's the perfect time to take a hike. From the summit, you'll see foliage for miles. We're sure the view across the river into Pennsylvania will be quite picturesque, as well. Mount Tammany may just be one of the most beautiful mountains in all of America!

6. High Point State Park - Sussex

At 1,803 feet above sea level, you'll find the highest point in New Jersey at this park. It offers lakes, ridges, a striking monument, multiple hiking trails and breathtaking viewpoints, several of which are wheelchair accessible. A hike here is sure to be beautiful, but this makes the list for the views from the monument's base. Truly, it's one of the best parks in New Jersey to spot the fall foliage.

7. Norvin Green State Forest - Bloomingdale

Check out the view from Wyanokie High Point. Surrounded by lakes, ponds and the Wanaque Reservoir, you should spot some fantastic foliage here. To get to Wyanokie High Point, park near Highlands Natural Pool and take a moderate hike (around two miles) with some steeper elevation gains. It's worth it, though it isn't the only scenic spot in the park. This state forest is home to some of the most breathtaking, best hikes in New Jersey.

Now that you know where to see the foliage, you'll probably want to know when. Using the above embedded New Jersey fall foliage map, you'll notice that the leaves start changing in late September and have mostly fallen from their branches by early November. The peak season for much of New Jersey is typically in late October, though Northwest New Jersey (including Mount Tammany) peaks earlier and the Southern and Pine Barrens regions peak later. To see shades of yellow, visit these spots early in the season. For vibrant reds, closer to November is better.

Where's your favorite spot to see the leaves change color in New Jersey? Did you know that New Jersey was named one of the best places to enjoy fall foliage in America?